Segregation of Cleoserrata from Tarenaya is based on the absence of prickles on the minutely serrulate leaf, the x = 12 chromosomal complement, and molecular evidence suggesting a more basal clade than that of Tarenaya (L. A. Inda et al. 2008).

Species 5 (2 in the flora): introduced; Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America.